Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse
Local history museum in a 17th-century hospice
Housed in a well-preserved 17th-century building in Vieux Lille, the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse showcases a diverse collection of artworks, artefacts and historical objects that depict Lille’s history and culture.
L’hospice Comtesse was founded in 1237 by Jeanne, Countess of Flanders; however, a fire destroyed the original hospice in 1468 and most of what you can see today dates from the 17th century. It has operated as a museum since 1962.
What to see at the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse
Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse is a local history museum with a diverse collection that encompasses various aspects of Lille’s heritage.
Artefacts on display include religious art, including sculptures, paintings and religious objects dating back to the Middle Ages. These offer an insight into the spiritual life of the region and the role of religion in shaping its cultural identity.
In addition to religious art, the museum also features exhibits on daily life in Lille throughout the centuries.
The museum’s collection also includes a significant number of decorative arts objects, such as furniture, ceramics and textiles. These items reflect the tastes and lifestyles of Lille’s elite over the centuries, offering a window into the city’s social and cultural history.
Another notable aspect of the museum is its collection of archaeological artefacts, which shed light on Lille’s ancient history. From Roman pottery to medieval relics, these artefacts help piece together the story of the city’s early inhabitants and their way of life.
Temporary exhibitions at the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse
In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. These events cover a wide range of topics related to Lille’s history and heritage, providing visitors with new perspectives and insights into the city’s past.
Current and planned exhibitions include:
Chambre 207
This photographic project (until 2 February 2025), rooted in autofiction, reconstructs lost memories following childhood trauma. On 5 August 1983, during an overnight stay in an Avignon hotel, Jean-Michel André’s father and six others were killed in an unresolved attempted robbery. At age 7, André lost his memory of the event. Forty years later, he revisits and photographs significant locations, blending investigative elements, press archives and family objects to explore memory, grief and healing.
Visiting Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse
Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse is conveniently located in the heart of Vieux Lille, which makes it easy to fit into your sightseeing itinerary. From here, most points of interest in Vieux Lille and the city centre are no more than a 15-minute walk away.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and entry costs €4 (€6 when there is a temporary exhibition). Entry is free of charge with la C’ART and the Lille City Pass.
The location in Vieux Lille means that there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.
Allow 1–1½ hours for your visit.
Free entry to the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse with the Lille City Pass
The Lille City Pass gives you free entry to the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse plus public transport and entry to over 25 other attractions in and around Lille.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase a Lille City Pass after clicking this link.
32, rue de la Monnaie, 59000 Lille
Bus 9 (stop: Palais Justice or Lion d’Or)
Website mhc.lille.fr
Admission €4 (€6 during temporary exhibitions), children and young people (aged 12–29) €3 (€4 during temporary exhibitions), children (under 12) free, free with la C’ART and the Lille City Pass
Open Mon 2pm–6pm, Wed–Sun 10am–6pm
